Well, here we are again. Another day of “mix-ups” And, have we got a mix-up for you! We’ve talked about this one before- homemade vapour rub. Indeed, it was on my mind the other day as I wondered why a parent, a parent of mine, in particular, would want all the trouble of making this concoction. For, most likely than not, there was always some half-used tin of the “real thing” lying somewhere around the house.

But, now that I'm again faced with the possibility of having to deal with a cold, I'm reminded of exactly what is considered the “real thing” in the world of Caribbean bush medicine. And well, that Vicks rub, half-used and lying around the house, might be useful for some. But the real thing? It was the other thing- the home made thing- which was so real, it was…magical!!

It made getting the cold or flu almost worth it- the entire process of watching a parent making this thing.  So here goes…again.  Around 16 years ago, a cold and I met. And, I  learnt what I didn’t know at the time of our meeting, but, certainly did soon after. To be in a relationship with a cold is a trying thing- like being with a nag- male or female- who harasses you day and night, particularly at nights, when the only thing on your mind is sleep.

I also learnt that others in the house would approve of this relationship between us two either.  So, there was some loud sighing, then some bustling and calls for vegetable shortening. (I might have resentfully thought “well, this is a fine time to go baking”). That call was followed up with calls for rubbing alcohol and matches (matches, I tell you!!).  By this time, this parent was at my bed with saucer in hand and spooning one, then two spoonfuls of vegetable shortening unto the saucer- in the middle. My curiousity (and probably eyes too) grew as this parent made a shallow hole in the shortening and then poured some rubbing alcohol in.

A hurried and belated call was made for a bit of nutmeg. There was the scratch-scratch sound of said nutmeg on a grater and a few seconds later, the addition of the grated nutmeg to the shortening, careful to avoid the alcohol. Then, there was the scratch-scratch of a match and the light “poof” of flame as the saucer found itself “on fire”. 

There was definitely a gasp coming from my direction and, for the moment, a forgetting of the terrors of the cold and curiousity blossoming into fear of this saucer-on-fire thing that was happening in my vicinity.  That night, I received my first treatment of homemade vapour rub. The next morning, I was a changed child- the cold was gone- maybe or maybe not due to the homemade rub.

I’ve since then, and until a few years ago, received my fair share of this particular mix-up. But, quite honestly, I couldn’t say if the concoction works, as intended- to relieve congestion and the other bothersome symptoms of a cold. Of if it was just time. I’m just sure that I always woke up feeling 100 times better the morning after the application of this mix-up which never failed to delight.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELE would!)